Permit Technician I

The Position

The City of Oakland is an equal-opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city’s historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.

Why join the City of Oakland Planning & Building Department?
The City of Oakland is a dynamic city with a unique blend of cultures, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to progress. The city is known for its diversity, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. Joining the City of Oakland Planning & Building Departments enables you to actively contribute to causes that align with your values and be a part of the positive change this city looks forward to.
You will collaborate with a team of skilled, supportive, and driven colleagues with the same common goal - to positively impact the community. The Building Bureau regulates and oversees construction, building codes, permits, and inspections within the city. Your contribution to the city will ensure we are building a safe and healthy environment for our citizens by implementing policies, plans, and building regulations. By joining the city you will have access to personal growth, professional growth and guidance, and training from knowledgeable and hardworking individuals. We look forward to having you as a part of our team!

We are looking for someone who is:
Customer service focused - You will present excellent customer service to the public and internal customers by providing clear communication and direction.
Collaborative - You will demonstrate cooperation and foster teamwork within and across decisions, departments, jurisdictions, functions, or teams.
Detail Oriented - You will pay attention to great detail while reviewing permit applications and construction documents, researching records, and updating the automated permitting system.
Effective - You will prioritize using hours and recourses to maximize organizational effectiveness.
Technologically Skilled - You will be adaptive at learning and working with various software applications and programs.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Advising the public on permit requirements and the permit application process.
• Reviewing applications and constructing documents for completeness and accuracy.
• Reviewing and assessing appropriate permit fees.
• Reviewing and issuing building permits and other various permit types.
• Coordinating applications and permits with other departments or outside agencies.
• Researching and updating permit application statuses and records.
• Verifying contractors’ information and property ownership.

Read the complete job description by clicking this Permit Technician I
* Click on the link below to see a video on what it's like to work for the City of Oakland!
Working for the City of Oakland

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will have numerous opportunities to contribute towards building a better community, promoting housing development, and supporting local businesses in the City of Oakland.
• This position is well-suited for self-starters who excel in maintaining positive working relationships within a team environment and enjoy providing excellent customer service to the public.
• This starting position offers opportunities for growth within the department for individuals who envision stepping up to the Senior Permit Technician position.
• You will have the opportunity to work alongside exceptional colleagues at all levels who highly value knowledge sharing and skill development and find joy in their daily work.

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will balance the needs of various customers with differing backgrounds and socio-economic statuses unfamiliar with permit requirements and procedures.
• You will be responsible for effectively managing your time and resources to optimize efficiency.
• You will need to adapt to changes in permit procedures and building code regulations.

Competencies Required:
Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
Action & Results Focused (Taking Initiative): Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment
Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
Establishing Credibility: Doing what one commits to doing and respecting the confidentiality of information and concerns shared by others.
Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
Involving Others (Engaging Teams): Engaging others for input, contribution, and shared responsibility for outcomes
Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization

Minimum Requirements for Application

This recruitment will produce two eligible lists. The restricted list will be for full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City and Port of Oakland employees who maintain employment for the duration of the recruitment and pass all stages of the recruitment process. The open list will be for all other applicants who pass all stages of the recruitment process.

Any combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the following minimum qualifications may be acceptable. Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Experience: Two (2) years of varied permit processing experience in a building department
OR
One (1) year of experience in the construction industry

Desirable Qualifications:

• Completion of a comprehensive construction plan reading course, demonstrating proficiency in interpreting and understanding construction plans and blueprints.
  

• Two (2) years of experience in a customer service setting
  

Supplemental Information

The Recruitment Process:

The City of Oakland works with a Civil Service system. Applicants apply online, and HR staff reviews their experience, education, and training listed on the application against the “minimum qualifications” listed for each position.?

Candidates who demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements are then invited to participate in an assessment process (or testing) to measure their knowledge, skills, and abilities in job-related areas.

Candidates who do not demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements will have an opportunity to request a final review. Candidates must request a final review within 5 business days of being notified that they did not meet the minimum qualifications.

In the final review, candidates may clarify information already provided on their application. No additional work history, education, or certifications will be accepted. Any decisions made during this review process will be final.

For this recruitment, all qualified applicants will be invited to take an online multiple-choice test. You’ll have 7 days to complete the test once the link is sent to your email. This is tentatively planned to launch during the week of October 27, 2024.

Candidates who pass each stage in the process will be placed on an eligible list. Some candidates may receive extra points, for example, if you are a Veteran with an honorable discharge, or if you are a current City of Oakland resident. If you’re applying to a “restricted” posting and you are eligible as a current City employee, you may also receive additional points for your City service. Extra points are only applied to passing scores, so if you do not pass every element of the testing process, you cannot use extra points to pass.

What's in it for you?

• Work/Life Balance: 37.5 hour work weeks, and a flexible/hybrid remote schedule
  

• 15 paid holidays
  

• Vacation: 2 weeks per year minimum with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service
  

• Retirement: CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System) with a pension formula of 2.5% @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic Employees contribute 8% of pre-tax wages. The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
  

• Health: The City of Oakland pays the full cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care, and other HMO and PPO plans
  

• Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
  

• Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
  

• Sick leave: Employees accrue 12 days per year
  

• Deferred Compensation: 457(b) pre-tax plan and an after-tax ROTH 401(k)plan
  

• Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance up to $200k & Employee Training.
  

Applicants are required to submit criminal history information upon request after receiving a conditional offer of employment. If the requested information is not furnished in a timely manner , applicants will not qualify for further consideration and will be removed from the eligible list.

The City of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process and date of examination as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity. The information contained in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

Disaster Service Workers
All employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

How to Apply

Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least two to three hours to submit your application if you are a new user of the system. APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY. You may apply and view current openings by visiting our employment opportunities webpage

at: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oaklandca/default.cfm .

If you do not have access to a computer, there are computer stations available at any City of Oakland Public Library. There are also workstations at the Human Resources Management Department, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Workstations are available during regular business hours (normally 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

Our online application system is provided by GovernmentJobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact GovernmentJobs Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday. You may also call the City of Oakland Human Resources Management Department during regular business hours at (510) 238-3112 for information; however, we are unable to provide technical support for the online application system. For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Melissa Davis at mdavis3@oaklandca.gov.

The City of Oakland is committed to the wellbeing of its employees and offers comprehensive health and wellness services along with an array of other benefits for most positions. Benefits may include*:

• CalPERS Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Medical Waiver Plan - Cash-In-Lieu
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Commuter Benefits
• Group & Supplemental Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH)
• Pension Benefits
• Deferred Compensation

* Specific benefits may vary depending on the assignedspecific bargaining unit. Information regarding most benefits can be reviewed here: Employee Benefits Information Current MOUs may be reviewed here: City of Oakland Labor Agreements

Closing Date/Time: 10/20/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of Oakland

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